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LIVERPOOL FC: THE NEW BOYS MEET THE PRESS

Philipp Degen and Andrea Dossena have both spoken about their joy at finally completing their respective moves to Liverpool.

/noticias.info/ The defensive duo were officially unveiled at a Press Conference at Melwood on Thursday afternoon. Here's what they told reporters about their hopes for the future.

Andrea, what attracted you to Liverpool FC?

Dossena: Liverpool is a very prestigious team and they showed great determination to bring me into the squad. It was also the quality of the players and the manager who are all of the highest calibre.

Were you a Liverpool fan as a boy?

Not really, because when I was young, football from around Europe was not on TV in Italy as much as it is now, so we didn't follow teams from abroad as much. It was hard to find Premier League matches on TV.

What do you know about the current squad here at Liverpool?

I have followed Liverpool in the Champions League especially. As a Serie A player I did follow international football and I was particularly pleased with the result Liverpool had against Inter Milan. Last year I think they played the best football in Europe.

Do you expect to have to battle to force you way into the first-team?

Benitez likes how I play and we have the same idea. Of course he will be the one who decides if I am in the first team or not. But from what I can see we do think in the same way.

What is your style of play?

I am a very determined player with a strong competitive spirit. I work hard and I am a defender who likes to play football. I do not like to pass the ball around and waste time, I believe in tactics and have the same accord as the manager.

Do you think you will adapt quickly to the Barclays Premier League?

It's a bit early to say now, but I do want to prove myself and do well.

Has it been a dream of yours to play in England?

Absolutely. For many years now the Premier League has been the best championship in the world and it's always great to see all the stadiums full of supporters - especially Anfield and I am really looking forward to playing there.

Do you think you have joined a side that will challenge for the title?

Yes. Definitely.

Philipp, how does it feel to be a Liverpool player?

Degen: It feels really good to be playing for this club, for these fans, in this league.

What do you know about the club?

It's a huge club with a global reputation. Everyone knows about 'You'll Never Walk Alone'. I was here four years ago with Basel and the atmosphere has remained with me and I have followed Liverpool ever since, particularly when they have been involved in the latter stages of the Champions League.

So you are a bit of a Liverpool fan then?

Anybody who has been here or played here knows what it is about. The fans here are unique and every player in the world would like to play in the atmosphere at Anfield.

Did it become your ambition to play for Liverpool when you came here with Basel?

I was a lot younger then and trying to make way with Basel but obviously in the back of my mind I remembered that experience. I wouldn't say that at that point I wanted to be a Liverpool player but that atmosphere stayed with me.

What will you bring to the side?

My role here is to be part of the team and look for success with Liverpool rather than focus on my individual contribution. I am here for the club. On a personal side, my game is about pace and my ability going forward.

Do you expect to force your way into the side on a regular basis?

At Dortmund I was a regular in the side and I haven't come here to sit on the bench. I will give my all in every training session and at every opportunity. But at the end of the day it is the decision for the coach.

What do you think of the quality of the players here?

I have followed the Premier League and the Champions League and think Liverpool could have gone further than the semi-final and beaten Chelsea. I think there is great potential here to win not just one, but many titles.

Do you think the club can win a trophy next season?

The aim at a club like Liverpool must be to win titles. I don't want to say we want one particular title because it is up to the players to give their all and show their full commitment and then see what can be won.

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